Modifiable unhealthy habits and their association with work absenteeism in administrative workers

Abstract

Introduction: Work absenteeism represents a significant occupational health problem with high economic and organizational impact. Modifiable lifestyle habits are determining factors in worker health and productivity.

Objective: To determine whether unhealthy and modifiable habits contribute to work absenteeism among administrative workers of the Huila Chamber of Commerce.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. A sample of 100 workers was selected through simple random sampling. The FANTASTICO instrument was applied to assess lifestyle habits, along with anthropometric and sociodemographic measurements. SPSS v24 was used for descriptive analysis, contingency tables, and Cramer's V coefficient (p<0.05).

Results: 82% of the workers were adults, 59% were women, and 90% held administrative positions. 83% had a family history of NCDs; 50% had a BMI in the overweight/obesity range; >80% did not meet the minimum physical activity recommended by the WHO; >62% did not maintain a balanced diet. During 2022, 380 absences (286 days) were recorded, with a cost exceeding 23 million Colombian pesos (U$: 4,782). 77% of absences were due to medical appointments.

Conclusion: Unhealthy and modifiable habits, along with unfavorable anthropometric conditions, are significantly associated with work absenteeism in the studied population